Innes Eye Clinic Blog

Vision changes are a natural part of the aging process. Similar to the strength and stamina of our muscles, eyes gradually decline as we grow older as well. This decline usually occurs as we begin to enter our 60s, but can begin even earlier for some people, depending on a variety of factors.

Some common symptoms, such as cataracts, can be either corrected with surgery – whereas some others, such as presbyopia, are simply a natural, common occur with no particular cause for alarm. There are however, some more serious age-related diseases that can cause some severe adverse effects to our eyes and vision.

But whether you’ve just entered your forties or are edging past sixty, here are four common age-related vision changes to be aware of.

Weakened Ability to Focus

As many of us edge into our 40s, it is very common to experience a weakened ability to focus on objects. This is also commonly referred to as presbyopia. As we begin to age, the lens within your eyes can begin to harden, which causes blurred vision to occur. It is a problem that many of us face that can usually be corrected with contacts or prescription glasses from your Orleans eye clinic.

Dry Eyes and Washed Out Colour

Aging eyes may also become drier since they begin to produce less tears – especially for menopausal women. Dry or burning sensations can be improved with artificial tears and drops. And as the cells in the retina decline in sensitivity, colour vision can begin to appear dull and washed out as well.

Reduce Pupil Size

Seniors might also begin to require an increased amount of ambient lighting to focus and see properly. This is due to the deterioration in the strength of the muscles that control our pupil size. As they weaken, the reactions to light within our eyes weaken also.

More Susceptible to Eye Diseases

Some other common factors to consider as we begin to age include an increased susceptibility to eye diseases. Cataracts, for example, have become such a common condition in seniors that it’s now been deemed as a normal age-related occurrence. Thankfully, this can be corrected with surgery. However, other major eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, can develop with more severity and are important to be aware of.

As we begin to age, our eyes and vision will inevitably change as well. There are many common symptoms that come along with this natural process, and there are other symptoms that could point to more serious diseases that may be lingering. Either way, it is imperative that you have your eyes regularly tested and checked by your eye doctor, especially as we being to age, in order to maintain good vision and keep your eyes good and healthy.